With the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft completed, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to get the biggest steal of the draft at 17.
The Los Angeles Lakers came into the 2024 NBA Draft with plenty of rumors surrounding what they may do with their picks. Since the Lakers are in a win-now mode with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, trading the picks for established players is always a possibility.
However, the Lakers made their selection with the 17th overall pick and got an absolute steal in Dalton Knecht from Tennessee. Seeing Knecht drop out of the lottery was one of the most surprising things of the NBA Draft, as he was the SEC Player of the Year last year and one of the best players in college basketball.
Last season, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Knecht also shot just under 40 percent from three-point range. As Knecht was falling it became clear that it was happening because of his age, as at 23-years-old he is considered old by NBA Draft standards.
However, for the Lakers getting a player like Knecht is a massive steal. Knecht is going to be able to come in and help the Lakers right away and they will benefit from other teams passing on him because of his age.
As we have seen in recent years, players have fallen in the draft because of their age, but have been able to contribute right away. A great example is a player like Jalen Brunson, who had a ton of success in college, but wasn’t 19 years old when he was drafted. Brunson has gone on to have a great career, but many teams passed on him because of his age.
With Knecht on the roster to help this season, all eyes will now be on theLos Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Will they select Bronny James with their selection, teaming up with his dad?
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